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The Seahawks allowed 239 rushing yards in a 33-3 pounding against the Raiders, and gave up an average of 144 yards a contest the rest of the season, going 3-7 down the stretch.

Bryant suffered a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee that required surgery, landing him on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Cole missed five games with a severe high ankle sprain. Add to that the four games defensive tackle Brandon Mebane missed because of an injured calf, and it’s clear why the Seahawks could be looking for defensive line help early in the draft.

Combined, Bryant, Cole and Mebane missed 18 games last season. And there’s no certainty that Mebane will return. The Cal product could be an unrestricted free agent this season, depending on what happens in the league’s labor dispute.

Some draft experts predict as many as 12 defensive linemen could go in the first round of this year’s NFL draft, which starts Thursday. That would be the most since 2003.

Rob Rang’s defensive lineman/linebackers to consider

1 (25) Muhammad Wilkerson, 6-4, 315, TempleRob's rationale: An eerily similar prospect to the Seahawks’ Red Bryant, Wilkerson can rotate inside and out, providing the club with size, physicality, versatility and a high-running motor. Highlights

2 (57) Christian Ballard, 6-4, 283, IowaRob’s rationale: More athletic than his more celebrated former line-mate Adrian Clayborn, Ballard could surprise in the NFL. Highlights4(99) Pierre Allen, 6-4, 273, NebraskaRob's rationale: While not an explosive pass rusher, Allen showed consistent improvement throughout his career and is productive against the run and pass. Highlights5 (156,157) Greg Romeus, 6-5, 264, PittsburghRob's rationale: Entered the year as one of the top DEs in the draft, but suffered injuries to his back, knee that ended his season prematurely. The Seahawks gambled on the recovery of CB Walter Thurmond last year and could double-down with Romeus, the 2010 Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Highlights6 (173) Chris Neild, 6-2, 314, West VirginiaRob's rationale: Isn’t flashy, but a strong, tough interior defender who will carve out a niche in the NFL as run-stuffer. Profile7 (209, 242)) Lazarius Levingston, 6-4, 292, LSURob's rationale: Besides possessing one of the great names of the 2011 draft, Levingston’s size and athleticism is worthy of a 7th round gamble. Linebackers to consider

1 (25) Akeem Ayers, 6-3, 254, UCLARob's rationale: While not an area of concern for the Seahawks, Ayers’ size, athleticism and versatility should get him drafted in the middle to late portion of the first round. Highlights

2 (57) Sam Acho, 6-2, 262, TexasRob’s rationale: A defensive end while at Texas, Acho’s natural pass rush skills and high intangibles is sure to pique the interest of creative defensive coordinators. Highlights

4(99) Mason Foster, 6-1, 245, WashingtonRob's rationale: Likely to be drafted in the third round, Foster could present too much value for the Seahawks to pass up should he be available here. While not a spectacular athlete, his instincts, quick hands and reliable open field tackling make him one of the year’s safer traditional 4-3 linebackers. Highlights

5 (156,157) Mark Herzlich, 6-4, 244, Boston CollegeRob's rationale: One of the year’s most heart-warming stories, Herzlich defeated a rare form of bone cancer to return to the field. While he wasn’t the headlining playmaker this year he had been in the past, some believe he’ll return to his previously dominant level with time.Highlights

7 (209, 242)) Jeremiha Hunter, 6-1, 239, IowaRob's rationale: Lacks the size and athleticism to warrant earlier round consideration, this instinctive and tough linebacker could carve a niche as a special teams performer and surprise when given an opportunity on defense.Profile

About the Seahawks Insider Blog

Gregg Bell joined The News Tribune in July 2014. Bell had been the director of writing for the University of Washington's athletic department for four years. He was the senior national sports writer in Seattle for The Associated Press from 2005-10, covering the Seahawks in their first Super Bowl season and beyond. He's also been The Sacramento Bee's beat writer on the Oakland Athletics and Raiders. The native of Steubenville, Ohio, is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and a 2000 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism.